Day 8: Bridge to Nantwich (42 miles)

Another rainy day, but I eventually persuaded myself that it was getting lighter. I managed to get through to Hugh, to arrange to meet half-way or thereabouts.

The weather clears up and then sets in again. What I call efficient rain- doesn’t waste time falling noisily or blowing into your face- just gets you wet.

Eventually, round a corner, and we meet Liz and Hugh Frost (in-laws), both looking very well. Nothing around to provide a meal. I’ve been astonished at how rural the country is. Looking at the map, there are apparently small settlements at every corner, but there’s nothing there- perhaps one house, or two, or even none at all. Pubs are few and far between, and shops are almost unheard-off. Garages are 30 miles away, and often not open. And as for cash points. Credit cards are not accepted as often as not- even cheques are preferable.

We go back to Ellsmere, and they buy me a lunch, which is most generous. I go into the Gents, and realise that I could use the hand-dryer to dry my trousers, which looked a bit odd.

We spend the night a Bram and Jane’s, who turn out to be keen and vastly experienced cyclists, who are doing the route but in sections, but have also cycled all over the continent, and provide us with loads of helpful advice!